If there was any doubt that the Glendale Mountain Ridge softball team would come out hungry to start 2014, just check out the box scores from its opening week.

Mountain Ridge demolished its first five opponents of the new season, outscoring them 64-2. Its next three games were a bit closer, but it still entered this week at 8-0 after coming through in each.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” Mountain Ridge coach Michele Markham said. “We had some games where everybody got in and got to play, and then we had some close ones where the girls could work through those nerves of, ‘What happens in the bottom of the 10th when we’re down by one? Do we fall apart or do we stick together?’ It just builds that confidence up.”

Mountain Ridge’s stellar start has gained notice nationally, as it was ranked fifth in MaxPreps’ Xcellent 25 Writers Poll when it was updated March 5.

The extra buzz could add a dose of pressure to the program, but Mountain Ridge’s players are choosing to view it as a confirmation of their talent.

“We know that we’re good,” senior Corrin Green said. “And that just gives us even more confidence.”

Green and junior Alyssa DiCarlo have led the way at the plate, much as they did last season when they combined to hit .549 with 28 home runs and 122 RBIs.

In the circle, junior Kaylin Ayotte and sophomore transfer Giselle Juarez have been a steady 1-2 punch.

Mountain Ridge returned each of its top six hitters from last season and, despite Green being the only senior on the roster, looks like a real threat to end Mesa Red Mountain’s run of four straight state championships.